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What to Look for in Backpacking Tents

For campers who plan to spend majority of their camping trip tramping around the wilds, the weight of their supplies is of utmost consideration. Casual and recreational campers who do not plan to spend most of their time lying down are more apt to look for light, easy to assemble and quick to dismantle camping gear. In this regard, backpacking tents are the most ideal for this kind of campers.

Most backpacking tents have pack weights that do not exceed five lbs. The lightweight shelters, meant to be carried on the back of campers, are usually made of light materials and simply designed. Tents for backpackers are offered in various sizes that can accommodate up to four people. They commonly come with collapsible poles and stakes for easy assembly. Quick dismantling is also a requirement with such tents and most manufacturers have paid attention to this concern.

There are numerous tent makers who offer backpackers’ shelters, but two of the more popular brands are Eureka and Coleman. Eureka, known for being the camping brand chosen by most professional explorers, has not forgotten to provide for ordinary campers and recreational travelers. The brand offers various sizes and designs of its backpacking gear, ranging in accommodation from two to four people. The tents from Eureka are made of lightweight materials and feature support equipment that makes the tent easy to assemble and dismantle.

Two of the more popular models of tents for backpackers from Eureka are Spitfire UL and Backcountry 1. The Spitfire is a three-season tent that weighs two lbs. and 3.9 oz. and has an area measurement of 18 square feet. The Backcountry 1, on the other hand, weighs three lbs. and 14 oz. and measures 24 square feet.

Coleman, another well-recognized name in the outdoor equipment business, has several models for backpackers. Included in this lineup are Cloudview 2 and the 7’ x 5’ Sundome. Cloudview is a three-season tent that has a pack weight of 5 lbs. and a center height of 43.2 inches. The floor and canopy are made of nylon and it features easy-to-assemble aluminum poles. The Sundome, like the Cloudview, is a lightweight tent that can accommodate two persons. The center height of this model is 48 inches and it measures 7 x 5 feet.

Recreational campers do not usually plan to stay long in one place. Their itinerary is often comprised of traveling and sightseeing and sleeping quarters are not exactly their primary concern. For them, backpacking tents, which are carried out of necessity, should be light, convenient and easy to use; something that can provide them with shelter when needed but will not hinder their adventure.